Australia vs New Zealand
Second ODI, Manuka Oval, 6 December
Australia got off to a winning start by beating New Zealand by 68 runs at the SCG. The win was set up with a healthy score of 8-324. Captain Steve Smith dominated the innings with 164, while Travis Head’s 52 cannot be overlooked. He joined his skipper at 4-92 before putting on 127 at a run a ball. New Zealand were in the game while Martin Guptill was at the crease, but when his brilliant and entertaining innings of 114 ended, it became a bridge too far.
Expect more runs at Manuka Oval as Australia and New Zealand square off for Game 2. Smith, Head, Guptill and Wade were good in Sydney, while Warner, Williamson and Bailey are looking to join the Canberra party. Since 2013 the ground has hosted six ODIs and it has been a run feast. Eight of the last ten innings totals were 289 or more, with South Africa’s 411 the highest of the lot.
Starc’s ability to swing the ball at pace and hit the stumps differentiates the bowling attacks. Hazlewood and M. Marsh hit good areas while Boult and Henry can move the ball. The fielding will also be on show in Canberra as Smith, Head and Guptill were all dropped during their Sydney innings, which proved costly. Both teams pride themselves on their fielding so don’t expect another repeat.
Stadium Record
Australia has played three times in the last three years at the national’s capital. They made over 300 with the bat on each occasion and they beat India, South Africa and the West Indies. New Zealand has never played an ODI at Manuka Oval.
Australia vs New Zealand ODI Game 2
Australia 1.35
New Zealand 3.20
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Blue Bet Words: Rhys Thurston
